5 stars - I loved it!

I can’t believe Gemma’s story is already at the end! This book picks up a few weeks after Milo attacked during the Summit. Gimma, Reiko, and Leonidas have all been trying to find Milo and stop him before he can implement his next plot. But with the Sword and Shield tournament coming to Glanzen, Gemma knows that it would be a perfect opportunity to attack and cause the most damage.

Like the previous books in this series, I couldn’t put this down. Gemma is a strong, determined, and resourceful woman who uses her position as princess to spy and protect her kingdom. Gemma really has grown so much since the first book. She is no longer the woman who is scared of her magic, but a fierce warrior who is finally embracing all her abilities, especially with the gargoyles. I loved seeing her finally figure out what her abilities can do and embrace the moniker Gargoyle Queen.

Gemma and Leonidas continue to grow stronger as they are figuring out how to be a couple with families that are enemies. There were a few tense moments for them but in the end they realize their love is more important than crowns. Leonidas really is a wonderful partner for Gemma and I loved seeing him support her during her various duties and fights. I do really wish we had his POV for some of these scenes because I would have loved to know how he was dealing with some of the situations in this.

The battle against Milo was everything I would have expected from this ruthless and cruel prince. His plan was very unique and deadly, and I enjoyed watching Gemma thwart him at every turn. The biggest surprise for me in this was Queen Meaven. She really surprised me because for so long she is viewed as an evil queen but you really see more than that in this one. I also enjoyed the side relationship building between Reiko and Kai. Those two are great side characters and I love seeing them finally admit their feelings for each other.

We also learn about a prophecy in this about three queens, two of which have passed. It was a very interesting prophecy and it makes me hope that there might be another spin-off series coming in the future. I can at least hope for that because I want more books in this world. Overall, this was an absolutely wonderful conclusion for Gemma and Leonidas. I will miss these characters.

Trigger warnings: PTSD; torture; death of parent referenced; blood and death;

A fun fun end to the series following Gemma and Leo. We get to learn why Gemma is called the "Gargoyle Queen" and her relationship with magic develops as she faces different trials and tribulations. I think Estep did a great job with the flashbacks especially in the book, really tying them into the plot and character development.

We also learn why Maeven is the way she is. Estep has done a wonderful job creating a villain with understandable motivations and even makes you sympathize (just a little) with her. Her character development over the past 2 series has really rounded her out and it seems fitting that the next series will follow a certain princess from Morta.

Overall the plot was well paced and Estep brings this book and series to a solid conclusion. An excellent addition to the series and this book opens the door for the next adventure.

Conquer the Kingdom is the final book in Jennifer Estep's Gargoyle Queen trilogy and should not be read as a standalone. But you really should read it. The whole series, multiple times.

Jennifer Estep's worldbuilding, dialogue, and plot lines are so good that you'll forget you aren't right there with Gemma. Every scene makes sense and builds on one or more parts of the story. Her worldbuilding is amazing and Gemma and her friends have just the best conversations that are frequently the kind of clever that will make you wish that you could talk just like her.

Wow what an amazing end to these a$$ kicking trilogy! I was literally on the edge of my seat the entire book.
I’m definitely looking forward to the next series in this world.
Thank you to the Publishers and Netgalley for this ARC

I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and were not affected by the free copy.

Princess Gemma is wearing n new mask, as a bounty hunter. Prince Milo is on the run, but Gemma knows that no one is safe. She puts a plan in place that will either save their country...or doom it.

This was a solid end to the trilogy; I didn't love it as much as the Crown of Shards finale, but it did leave me hope for a 3rd series following another certain princess that doesn't understand her magic. I mostly enjoyed the character development. Gemma finally starts to embrace her magic, though it still takes her way longer than it should. I really enjoyed the flashbacks in this one, much less painful than the previous flashbacks, and Grimley is perfection. It was rough to see Maeven like a human, I don't particularly want to empathize with her, but dang it, I'm starting to understand why she's done the things she has. I loved getting to know Gemma's mother. She did so much to set up the whole series, I'm a bit sad we never really get to meet her.

Estep continues to write amazing food scenes, they always leaves me hungry. So much so, I actually decided to try a toasted apricot sandwich. No cheese, but otherwise delicious. The plot was pretty well paced, I never got bored.

I really, really hope there is a 3rd series. This world is seriously one of my favorites, and I absolutely can't wait to read more. This series is perfect for fantasy fans.

I enjoyed this book. It’s got lots of action and tension. There’s a lot going on. The characters are great. I liked the ending. #ConquertheKingdom #NetGalley

This book is so very wonderful! One, it wraps up the series and the prequal series very well, and opens the door for the next one. However, it wraps up Gemma's story while opening the story for Morricane princess. The story has action, phenomenal steamy romance scenes, and a over all great lot development. Can't wait to see what this author writes next!

An action packed adventure awaits in this final installment of the Gargoyle Queen. We also find out why she is called the Gargoyle Queen. Gemma sets a trap to finally catch Milo and stop him from whatever his evil plans might entail. Her kingdom, Andvari is holding a sword and shield tournament where gladiators from all over will come and fight. Unlike ancient Rome, the gladiators in this tournament are all free and are celebrated warriors. They only fight to first blood. Gemma has to put on a show as the princess but in reality she is a spy and is doing whatever she can to stop Milo. Her lover, Leo, his mother, Maven, and his sister are all in Andavari for the tournament. Gemma hopes this will attract Milo to come to the kingdom so she can finally find out what he is trying to do with all of the tearstone. What follows is action packed drama with romance sprinkled in as well.

This novel compared to the other two did have a slower start for me however, I did eventually get sucked into the plot and had to keep reading to find out what would happen. The author did a great job leaving cliffhangers at the end of each chapter so I wanted to keep reading. There were also some flashbacks which gave some good insight into what was happening with Gemma. Overall, this was a great fantasy novel and a wonderful trilogy!

Thank you to HarperCollins Publishers for this advanced copy!

And exciting ending to the series with room for another spin off! Gret action, romance and witty banter.

We’re back with Gemma and Leo in this final book – and everything is coming to a head with Milo. I was excited for this final book in the trilogy. I LOVED Gemma and Leo in the first two books, so I was eager to see them in this one.

I want to start with the one part I did not like so that I can get it out of the way and move onto what I did like. Gemma and Leo are still will-they-won’t-they-oh-my-families-we-can-never-be-together. And I get that it is part of the plot, but we just went through two books of this. Can we please move past this. We know you two love each other!!! Anyways, that is my one complaint about this book.

Moving to what I did like: Gemma and Leo’s relationship overall. I love their interactions and I find them amusing. Pretty much any character interactions. Violet is adorable, and I love Grimley, Otto and Lyra as well. Reiko is a badass and I would want her to watch my back.

There is quite a bit of action in this one, and it was a fast paced read. Definitely hard to put down because I kept wanting to find out what was going to happen next. I thought this was a great conclusion to the series and I liked how everything fell out. Clearly, this is building up to another series, so I’ll be excited when that person takes front and center.

It’s hard to review a third book without giving too much away – suffice to say you will not want to miss this epic conclusion!

Conquer the kingdom was an epic ending to a fantastic trilogy the Gargoyle Queen series. I am a huge fan of Jennifer Estep and I was so thrilled to read this book!

Conquer the Kingdom is a whirlwind of action, danger and strife as we follow Gemma, Leo, and their band of spies on a desperate hunt to find and kill Milo before he strikes again. Knowing each day he remains free to plot everything Gemma holds dear remains in danger as well as her entire Kingdom.

In a desperate gamble Gemma sets up a gladiator tournament in hopes to draw Milo out of hiding by using the allure of having all the people he hates most in one place can she succeed and truly master her powers once and for all?

The plot was intense and well written. The character growth and bonds forged was phenomenal as always and I must say Maeven never ceases to amaze me.

I truly hope to see more of this fascinating world I am so intrigued by Delmira! I hope sone day to see more if her powers and of course I wish to see more of Violet, Grimly and even Maeven. A new day is dawning and I hope sone day we see more. But for now bravo and well done what a satisfying ending to an amazing series! I highly recommend it and do start from the beginning this is definitely not a stand alone.

The last in the Gargoyle Queen series, Conquer the Kingdom finishes the story of Gemma, Leo, and their band of spies, creatures, and kingdoms. It also very nicely sets up a new series, which I am personally pumped to read.

Gemma is back at the palace, trying to hunt down Crown Prince Milo and stop him before he can conquer her kingdom. At the same time, a gladiator tournament is descending on her kingdom (yes, another one), bringing strangers, opportunities, and other royals to visit. Gemma must learn to truly use her power to fight off the threat to her kingdom. Yes, the premise sounds very similar to the last book in the previous trilogy. While the broad strokes are similar (some sort of major, international tournament and a main character learning the truth of her power), the differences were enough to still make it enjoyable.

As usual, Estep finished the series with a satisfying end that left a door open for more. I'd be very surprised if we don't get a third trilogy focusing on Delmira, the Morricone princess. Sign me up. Hopefully we'll get some Everleigh and Gemma in the next trilogy too.

Jennifer Estep doesn't disappoint with the drama and intrigue in this third installment in the Gargoyle Queen series.  Milo and Captain Wexel are still on the loose and Gemma will do anything to stop him.

The final gladiator trials of the season have Gemma back home and preparing for Milo to wreak havoc.  At the same time, she's enjoying having Leo with her at home.  But nothing is quite that easy.  She's frustrated that she can't find Milo and that people will not accept the love of her life.  It's a lot of stress on Gemma.  But, as usual, Gemma wears her Glitzma persona to try to clear the path for Leo while she figures out Milo's next steps.  But there were many times where I wondered when it was all going to become too much for Gemma.  Why did it feel like she was the only one in her country bearing all this weight?  He father and stepmother were often on the sidelines will our heroine risked her life time and time again.  It truly made me wonder why the throne isn't given to her right now because she seems to be the only one doing anything to ensure her people's safety.  

I enjoy Gemma.  She's spunky, sweet, and wants what's best for everyone...even if that breaks her heart.  There's a tiny bit of me that wishes she were a bit more selfish when it comes to Leo and instead of skeaming to get people to like him stand up to those that snub him.  Leo and his sister do more for Glitnir than it's own residents do.  They need to stop putting their hatred of his mother on him.

Part of the evil that vexes Gemma is over, but there is one that got away.  I can't wait to see what happens next.

Review is scheduled to post on site 1/14/23 @ 9am

Jennifer Estep is a master at unique fantasy romantic elements. I really enjoyed this series and I hope she creates more from it!

This is such a fun series. Strong female characters and excellent pacing. This is probably final book of with Gemmas as the main character but it seems likely there will be another Queen to fall in love with.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.